Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Jeremy Taylor
In Training
The Apostle Paul, in instructing Timothy, wrote, “while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1st Tim 4:8), so today the believer is training in godliness; in both living a godly life and in learning about God so that we can know what a godly life looks like. This is why God is “training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13).
Being Prepared
Part of our training comes through various trials and this should help us to be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1st Pet 3:15). If we don’t give an answer with gentleness and respect, they may never want to know Christ, so be prepared to use trials to help you how to answer those who don’t know Christ…at least, yet
Used in the Kingdom
God plans on using us here on this earth but also in the coming kingdom of God. The Apostle John wrote that it is “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (Rev 1:6). It was not we but God Who “made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (Rev 5:10), so “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years” (Rev 20:6).
Conclusion
God is planning on using you today…and tomorrow, and into eternity if you’ve repented and trusted in Christ, so today, you (and I) are in training about learning godliness and in being prepared to rule with Christ, although under Christ.
